Chapter 9: Small-Scale Skirmish!
Zone 29.
In front of the metal wall leading to Zone 30.
A sudden burst of flames drew much attention.
The dwellers of 'Nightless City' mingling here, some in groups, some alone.
Approaching here, little by little.
Compared to the 'Nightless City' residents in Zones 16, 17, and 18 in Jason's memory, the dwellers here seemed like people from another world, each exuding a strong aura and heavy killing intent.
To give an example,
If the 'Nightless City' residents of Zones 16, 17, and 18 are ordinary citizens, then those dwelling in Zone 29 are like a gang of desperados.
The kind that kills without blinking.
Jason quietly observed these 'Nightless City' residents of Zone 29, a slight smile tugging at his lips.
The situation was even better than he had imagined.
Originally, Jason estimated that the 'Nightless City' residents of Zone 29 would likely be involved with the 'Mystical Side', 'Extraordinary Power', and such, but he didn't expect there would be so many.
Approaching were thirty 'Nightless City' residents.
Among them, three carried the aura of 'food'.
10:1!
What an astonishing ratio!
Of course, Jason was not blindly optimistic.
Considering the 'cautious' nature of 'Nightless City' residents, those daring to venture out now must be the elite of Zone 29.
Indeed.
Also, considering the 'cautious' nature of 'Nightless City' residents, many must be hidden as well.
So overall, it's good news.
With good news comes a good mood.
With this pleasant mood, Jason's figure disappeared from the spot.
Before the metal wall, the Flame raised by the book had long disappeared, with only ashes caught by the night breeze, swirling into the sky, some flickering and vanishing, others striking the metal wall, sparking one last glow.
The night deepened.
The 'Nightless City' Zone 29 residents watching here held their breath.
Each more or less aware of the hidden 'neighbors' around them.
In other zones, most would have retreated by now.
Or feigned a retreat.
But in Zone 29, at this time, no one would use such tactics.
Not because it's ineffective.
But because...
At this moment, a single move would cause a chain reaction.
Everyone present was seasoned veterans.
Staying put was harmless.
But if anyone moved, everyone would attack simultaneously.
First, they would clear out the 'outsiders'.
Then, discuss their own matters.
The 'Nightless City' residents present were those who thrived in Zone 29, naturally understanding this unspoken agreement.
Hence, they willingly waited.
For daylight!
For the clarity of sunlight, then they would act!
After all, they could all see that secret passage.
They were certain that mere hours or even a day ago, this passage did not exist.
At least they hadn't discovered it.
Now that it's appeared, some guesses naturally arose.
When was this passage constructed?
Could it lead to Zone 30?
And!
What's inside this passage?
Why did it suddenly open?
The last two questions made the 'Nightless City' residents even more cautious.
Until the faint scent of blood emerged.
Though subtle, ordinary people wouldn't notice even if they smelled it.
But for the 'Nightless City' Zone 29 residents, it was glaringly obvious.
Like sharks in the ocean.
Immediately picking up the scent of blood.
'Scalpel' Kade couldn't resist extending his tongue, licking his dry lips, fingers trembling slightly, as a scalpel slid from his sleeve into his hand.
"Haha, someone couldn't hold back."
"Count me in."
With a slightly manic voice, 'Scalpel' Kade charged out from the shadows toward his preselected target.
Clang!
Poof!
A person cloaked in armor raised their shield to block the scalpel's assault, but in a sharp and sickening metallic slicing sound, the armored person, along with their shield, was split in two.
Blood spurted.
Clunk!
The armored corpse fell to the ground.
That sound was like a signal flare.
The hidden 'Nightless City' Zone 29 residents launched into slaughter towards their predetermined targets.
Crimson flowed.
Bodies littered the ground.
After eliminating the third target carrying the 'food' aura, Jason hid once more, watching intently.
The 'Nightless City' Zone 29 residents were formidable.
But not without weaknesses.
Being one of them, Jason knew the 'Nightless City' all too well.
There's no need to state your 'intentions' too clearly.
A slight hint suffices.
These 'Nightless City' residents will quickly fill in all the details.
Then, achieve what you desire.
Just like before.
After dispatching the second target with the 'food' aura, he subtly released a hint of blood scent, and these Zone 29 'Nightless City' residents acted immediately.
What's most appealing about dominoes?
Is it not the orderly collapse following the initial push?
Jason stood in the shadows, observing the fighting crowd.
Three individuals caught his eye.
One was a man known as 'Scalpel', dressed in rags, muttering manically, holding a scalpel. Though it seemed small, it was extraordinarily sharp and, surprisingly, had an extending effect, easily slicing opponents from a meter away.